Sailing around the world, discovering new places, peoples and amazing things.....

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Day 104 Funchal, Madeira, Portugal

Well, it’s official… we have completed our last port of call on the 2011 Grand World Voyage. It has indeed been a Grand Voyage. Today, Ed, Becky & I were the first guests (as usual) to leave the ship and we walked into Funchal. We explored the town a bit until the cable car to Monte opened at 9:30. We were the first people up the cable car (as usual) and once to the top we headed for the Botanical Gardens. It was a cable car ride down to the Botanical Gardens and yes, we were the first ones there. It was a great day to explore and going to the top of the mountain and to the Botanical Gardens was just perfect. After we made our way down the mountain we split up with both of us exploring different things around the city. It was a fantastic day….

Jeff, Just love traveling the world with you. I know I will never be able to do it, so thank you very much for taking us along on the adventure. Your pictures are breathtaking. Where will your next adventure take you? Again, thanks for sharing and I am so sorry this travelogue is about to end. All the best. Linda

Oh, Jeff, how bittersweet that this journey is coming to an end. I've loved it all, and the photos have been awesome, as always! However, I do think you've gotten even better in your photography skills, if that's possible! The people shots that seemed to look into the souls of each individual, the landscape shots that captured the unique color and aspects of each place, and the architecture shots that made me appreciate the beauty of these places even more.

Thanks again for the daily postings to your travel blog. I can't imagine the time, money, and effort it takes/took to be so dedicated.

You're indeed a tireless adventurer! I'm in awe of your enthusiasm to always be one of the first ones up for sail in, one of the first ones off the ship to explore and discover these amazing sites and gems, continuing to milk it even though you may have already "been there, done that", and still have time to enjoy time in the Crows Nest at the end of the day with your friends.

Take care of you and stay healthy so you can continue these wonderful and amazing voyages... on land and by sea!

Jeff, My in-laws are on this trip and I have been following it with my 3rd grade class. Once we discovered your blog, it added so much to the experience and I truly appreciate your work in doing this and having this wonderful record.